The exterior is powder-coated to keep it from slipping and to help reduce condensation. You will have to hand wash it, but it comes with a lifetime warranty, so you know it’s built to last. We've also noticed that cleaning the straw is easy, as it detaches from the lid to allow for a thorough scrubbing. But the FreeSip's lid is the star of the show. Flip it open using one finger to access the spout, which offers two ways to drink. You can sip using the bottle's straw or take a big swig from the spout opening—ideal when you're overheating on the treadmill or elliptical. It also features a carrying handle that slots in place over top of the lid to create a seal that's truly leakproof. At the end of the testing period, we give each water bottle a score of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (would recommend) in each of the key categories listed above. We also take the bottles home so we can continue to test them—we'll update this story with new insights as we use them in our daily routines.

Like Owala's FreeSip, this water bottle from SimpleModern is also leakproof. But we recommend it as the best leakproof option because it's more budget-friendly, comes in more sizes, and has a classic straw lid design, if the FreeSip's chug spout option isn't for you. Straws: Once a child has grown out of baby bottles the next step might be a bottle with a straw. These can either be made of tough plastic or softer silicone. We've found that some of the softer silicone straws don't stand the test of time and children will nibble through them given half a chance. If you're going to use your water bottle daily, investing in a high-quality, durable option that you enjoy using may greatly benefit your health and pay off in the long run. If you prefer a bottle that you won't be bummed if you misplace, choose a less expensive option, like Pogo's Plastic Water Bottle.

All of the stainless steel water bottles with straws on our list are insulated in some way. But Owala's viral FreeSip is our favorite because it keeps our water cold for longer—and has a range of innovative features that set it apart. It doesn't have many difficult-to-reach nooks and crannies so it can be cleaned easily in a dishwasher or a sink. It also survived our tough drop test with only superficial scratches. It comes in several sizes and an array of colors. A carrying clip is built into the cap so you can easily take it on the go. The price is right, too, as you can score the 24-ounce model for less than half the price of other bottles on our list.

Still, we appreciate the bottle's modern design, which comes in a few stylish, muted colors. It offers two middle-of-the-road sizes, 20 and 32 ounces—enough to keep you hydrated all day long. Just note that it's hand wash only and can't go in the dishwasher. There are also lots of nooks and crannies that dirt or sand can get wedged in, something we found when we rolled this bottle around in a sandpit. Both of our three-year-old and five-year-old testers were able to fill and tighten up this bottle without it leaking. It also came out completely clean from the dishwasher, and again when we washed it in a sink, with no tough-to-reach spots where dirt and bacteria could be left to linger.Our verdict: It's a well designed leakproof bottle available in a variety of fun colourful designs.